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‘Facial Hair Patterns and Perceptions’ by Sandeep Sehbi

So I was tasked with writing this article on facial hair. People tell me I’ve been blessed with good facial hair. When I was younger this was something I was made fun of about.

Facial hair has played a large role in my life. When I was young, I was raised Sikh. This meant that I was told never to cut my hair. Which now I look back and think, “holy shit.”

After 9/11, I was looked at as a terrorist because of the hair I had on my face. I was of course at the time encouraged to  grow the fuck out of my facial hair. So I was conflicted and caught in a bad place. My parents wanted me to practice the faith, but my city wanted me dead.

In college I shaved it off, and I felt liberated. I finally was able to control my visual identity, and I could go clean shaven, or experiment with facial hair. And I still to this day find it a novelty that hasn’t worn off for me.

Now that I’m my latter 20s, I get lots of people coming up to me with their beard issues. I have become a therapist to the beardless. To people who can’t grow beards, here, here, or here. It gets old.

I work in a lot of queer bars and if I have a beard, they refer to me as a bear. If I run in my hipster circles, I am tempted to put on a lumberjack and go with that flow.

I assume people care about my facial hair as much as they do because that hair is attached to my face, the face they speak to when they speak to me. Thats my attempt at depth in this article.

I find facial hair absurd, and reactions to it also absurd.

Sandeep is a musician, writer, videographer, blogger and social media junkie. He runs a DIY space, he’s in a number of bands, he’s started a number of long-standing events and community organizations. 

#614pocvoice #centralohiopocvoice #columbusohiopocvoice #sandeep sehbi #pizza box reviews

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HAIRCUTOLOGY by A. S. Leckrone

When I was about four or five, my mom tried to cut my hair herself. She may have thought, "well I cut her two older brothers hair, what could be so hard about it?" Well, I guess the difference was that she didn't realize how difficult I could be at that age. After she cut my hair, I apparently started crying, saying that it was too short, and that I hated it. Now, this story is funny in retrospect, considering I have had very short hair for several years now, and currently have a shaved head. But it seems like even at that young of an age, I still slightly grasped the concept that haircuts matter. Not only do hair cuts and styles affect how you think you look, but also affects how others see you, and how they interact with you, and therefore affects the way you act in turn.

After going through several haircuts, styles, and lengths I can definitely say that the cut and style I have determines slightly how I feel. Now, of course we are always ourselves, inherently…But any of you who have ever drastically changed a hairdo, might understand that dramatic shift those locks can control. For instance, lets run through some quick terrible gender binary hairstyle stereotypes in the adult world…

Women Shoulder-length hair — standard / safe Really long hair — still safe / Maybe a "hippie" Chin-length hair —a bit edgy / a bit bold / but still safe Long hair with half or portion of the head shaved — trending / edgy Pixie-cut — a bit edgy / cute / "artistic" / alternative / maybe she's gay? Anything shorter than that — LESBIAN Shaved head — some people think it's daring / some people think it's sexy / some people think you are sick with cancer. (real talk)

Men crew-cut — standard / safe shaved head — safe / militant messy short hair — safe / alternative / hip really long hair — rockstar or "hippie" top buns — trending Facial hair is a whole nother article, sorry y'all.

Okay, now that we have some generally terrible, and terribly general stereotypes I think we should mostly be able to agree upon, let's move forward. With these preconceived social constructs surrounding hairstyles and what it probably means if you have one, there lies many yes, interesting stories of ignorant people, but also many dangers. The way the public eye reacts to hairstyles really reflects the way we are all groomed—from even a young age—to follow various generalizations about class, gender, sexuality, and lifestyle. All of this social psychology, and what goes on inside our heads, can start to be told with what is on top of them.

As a female-bodied person, in my mid-twenties, I have experienced long hair, short hair, shorter hair, and a shaved head. I have only bleached my hair once or twice, and other than that experimented more with length rather than colors. But, regardless, it has still been an adequate lesson in the salon of social interaction. When I first cut my hair shorter than my chin, I think it was a more messy pixie-type cut…I realized my presence held a new weight. There was a new image that I represented. At that time, it might have been — freshman in college, art school, wanting a better solution than pony-tails on hot days, and maybe I was gay. That was mostly true, and mostly what people probably thought of me. The next few years consisted of shaving more and more off. I rocked the extremely close shaved sides with the flop-top for  a good while. Had the long curls on top contrast with the slim sides, that was one of my favorites. One hot summer day, I got sick of that so I shaved it all off with scissors and a hand-held Gillette Venus razor. I think it took me an hour and a half, but I felt like it was worth it. I had been wanting to shave my head one day, and I knew that when I did it, I wanted to do it myself, and not tell anyone about it. So it was liberating, and had a special meaning to me. Since then, I've let it grow back a bit, get that shaggy awkward length, then shave it all off again. But now it's just more like, "fuck it, i don't want hair" rather than some special moment or statement for myself.

It's interesting though, cus as a woman with a short, styled haircut, a lot of people assume you are a lesbian, or maybe bisexual, or at least in goddamn art school. Something. But as a woman with no hair, a very shaved, bald head…People aren't as quick to jump to conclusions. With a short-styled haircut, people would not hesitate to tell you they like your haircut…The mention of your hairstyle can be a quick compliment, and then they keep going with the day. I found though, the first time I shaved my head, some people were more cautious to say anything. With how short it was, and my occasional wearing of head scarves, you could tell some people thought that maybe I had cancer, or that I knew someone else who did. If people did ask about it or compliment me, more times then not, it was more of a conversation then a quick compliment. Like, "Why did you do it, when did you do it, how does it feel, etc etc." There seemed to be much more dialogue surrounding the absence of hair rather than a various style of it. Although, some people did just give brief compliments saying "I like your no-hair" or "your head is nicely-shaped" or my favorite, the classic head nod from another shaved-head woman driving past, as we were both parked at a red light. Solidarity in the simplest sense, which I appreciated. One thing that irks me, is when women tell me that they think that I can "pull it off" but they somehow can't. I don't buy it. I think any woman, any human can shave their head, and love it…And with confidence comes beauty.

But I think still, there is that conversation of sexuality, with any sort of short hair on a woman. Like even if a girl has mostly long hair, but then turns her head and there is this patch of shaved scalp, people think…Hmm, maybe she could be gay. It's like our scalps are sexuality maps, and any inch of shaved hair on a woman's head charts out the degree of her homosexuality. Well, wouldn't that be convenient for people.

I just think it is fascinating how much hair influences the ways in which we interact with each other. 

When I have a shaved head I feel clean, and free and refreshed. Or when people get a fresh new haircut, man or woman, they feel better, act better, people see them more confidently, and therefore treat them with more respect. Self-repsect and general respect both can be directed through a hairstyle. I think it is sorta metaphorical too, seeing as hair can fall out, and grow back, and change, just as anything in life, therefore it represents the fleeting passing of time and place. I think that experimenting with hairstyles and style in general will only do good things, to push boundaries and preconceived assumptions of what people think they mean. I think the more styles and people trying new things, the harder it will be to think it's logical to group people into boxes based on what's on top of their heads rather than what's inside of it.

Alison is from Ohio. She is a visual artist/performer/designer/dancer and overall creative creature. She studied in Cincinnati, now resides in Columbus. She is the lyricist for the musical duo, TIGR HORS.  She likes buzz cuts, houndstooth, spoken word poetry, being outdoors, boats, and sparkling water.

#centralohiowomensvoice #columbusohiowomensvoice #614womensvoice #alison leckrone #a s leckrone #pizza box reviews

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A.S. Leckrone on the need for a POC, LGBTQA, women's initiative in Central Ohio

Copy / Paste: Written by A. S. Leckrone // Alison

Recently, Sandeep and I have been talking about creating and running a group called People of Color, LGBTQA, Women Alliance of Arts. Basically, a place for seemingly underrepresented people to express themselves, and have a space to feel safe and encouraged to do what they love. After helping run a house venue and being in and around the music and arts scene for a while, it doesn't take long to notice how a lot of bands and artists see to be dominantly white males, here in America. 

Which is all well and good, nothing against those white male people. But, it speaks to a larger issue at hand. And brings about an important question, which is, "why is there not more diversity within the performing arts community?" And I think the answer is simple, yet complex.

First of all I think that women, queer people, and people of color may feel less supported in general, but this leads to the start of a cycle of not seeing anyone like them in the scene, and therefore not wanting to pursue their passion, since they feel like they may not have a place within it. I recently read an article that stated how performing people of color either felt like a token or invisible…And how neither feel too great. As a white queer woman, i can only identify so much with that..Because although people can judge your sexual orientation based on your style, there is still no way for people to absolutely know sexual preference until asking…Whereas race is much more visible. It is one of the first things people notice about a person. And sometimes seems like a lot of difficulty gets thrown at any individual that is somewhere in between any genre, or reads as something or someone that is not necessarily recognizable right away…Like anyone in between genders, races, or sexuality. Some people are not easily categorized into one or two boxes, in fact many of us are not easily definable, and it is not only silly but harmful to think that we can continue to try and cramp all of our arms and legs into one simple categorical cage.

Might sound cheesy and old-fashioned, but i am a strong believer in getting to know people, before speaking of them. I try my hardest not to judge anyone, or to let any preconceived notions about their appearance affect the way I think of them, prior to meeting them. I am a true believer in viewing race, age, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, culture, and style as all separate entities, and just because one person might fit into a few recognized categories of those things, does not mean they necessarily fall into the rest that you have seen in the past. I personally believe and promote the concept of spectrums and think that every person lies on a different part of the spectrum for each category. Like colors, flavors and scents, etc I believe personalities to have infinite possibilities, and therein lies the magic of meeting new people, and hearing new stories. I think that just knowing this, and respecting people's differences is at the core to creating a more cohesive environment where we can all coexist. I'm not saying we all have to agree or like each other, but at least respect one another, and understand that we really are all different. That phrase and concept is preached in grade school, etc, but seems to almost be forgotten in the "adult" world. There seems to be this magical age range, at least for me, (if you are lucky to be around kids that have not been brain washed by parents), that everybody seems to get along regardless of race and gender. At a younger age, boys and girls have more physically in common, and race doesn't hold as strong of a political voice in our five-year-old heads. Something to take from this youthful view on life, and relationships.

Not to say I think we should take this back to pre-school, but hopefully you catch my drift. There is something to be learned from the naivety behind being a child. Our brains are so much more fresh and malleable, ready to receive new knowledge, and not be tainted with dogma and politics regarding harmful stereotypes. If we could combine that fresh open-minded outlook on life, with the more mature reality of our individuals struggles, that would be effective. If we could be able to relate to each other beyond surface level, superficial bullet points, I think that that is a good start to improving this community, and hopefully contribute to making this world more pleasant for everyone.

Alison is from Ohio. She is a visual artist/performer/designer/dancer and overall creative creature. She studied in Cincinnati, now resides in Columbus. She is the lyricist for the musical duo, TIGR HORS.  She likes buzz cuts, houndstooth, spoken word poetry, being outdoors, boats, and sparkling water.

#centralohio #columbusohio #614 #centralohiopoc #columbusohiopoc #614poc #centralohiolgbtqa #columbusohiolgbtqa #614lgbtqa #centralohiowomen #columbusohiowomen #614women

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Show Recap: July 8th 2015 @ THWNN - Cottontail (NC), Douglas Fur (PA), Jeff Straw, Matt Taylor, FOBKWATGDFOFRGHABR, Grrrl Cheese

Pictured: Little Corey

Matt Taylor started out the night. He’s a house regular and always a favorite. He switches between banjo and guitar, has the best whistle I’ve ever heard, and is a talented songwriter. His voice stands out as especially honed, well controlled, and expressive. You can also see Matt performing with his band Discount Tents.

Pictured: Jeff Straw

Jeff Straw's 20 year anniversary of starting piano was tonight, so naturally he brought out a piano to play. I always tell Jeff he should start a glam rock band, because he has a voice that could do perfect covers of The Darkness if he wanted. Rattling through a list of covers and I think there were some originals in there, Jeff’s set was pleasant and captivating.

Pictured: Cottontail

Cottontail was a solo performance tonight (Luke). The songs were all played acoustic and the room was buzzing with excitement. Luke has played the house before, and has been in Columbus before with his band Ramshackle Glory. Luke’s a super friendly guy and the music is well written and awesome.

Pictured: Douglas Fur

Douglas Fur took the bus from Pittsburgh to join Luke for this date. He’s a force of nature, playing banjo and belting his powerful and charactered voice. He also plays in a metal band, which is also rad.

Pictured: FOBKWATGDFOFRGHABR

FOBKWATGDFOFRGHABR is made up of Natty Bummpo and Little Corey, taking turns on lead each playing their own originals, sometimes backing the other. Corey is an amazing songwriter and always has a shitload of energy. When he sings, you not only hear but feel the words. Natty is a really talented and intelligent writer and you can hear his wit in his lyrics. He is also a talented singer and performer, you can also see him perform with his band Etc Etc Etc.

Pictured: Grrrl Cheese 

Grrrl Cheese closed out the night; Felix was well enough to perform and it was a reunited full band performance. ‘Fuck White Male Cops’ is but one of their many memorable, witty and fun yet political and revolutionary songs. Definitely check them out sometime soon.

Written by Sandeep Sehbi.

Sandeep is a Central Ohio frontman/musician/performer, writer/blogger, booker/promoter, freelance media specialist/social media guru and student at The Ohio State University.

#614 #central ohio #columbus ohio #614 diy #614 dit #614 performance #central ohio DIY #central ohio DIT #central ohio performance #columbus ohio DIY #columbus ohio DIT #columbus ohio performance #the house with no name

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Show Recap: July 7th 2015 @ THWNN - Autopilot (Saskatoon Canada), Native Eloquence (Oakland CA), TIGR HORS, DCKids, Pete Mako, Christian Logan Fisher

Pictured: Native Eloquence

DCKids The night opened with DCKids. I’m in DCKids so I can’t really say too much, but Pete Mako filled in on bass for Meg Zimmerman, Chris Radebaugh and myself (Sandeep Sehbi) reprising roles on drums and bass, and A.S. Leckrone stepped in for guest vocals on ‘My Friend’, ‘Comin’ Over’ and ‘These Flies’. We also played two Pete Mako songs and two improvs.

TIGR HORS Next was TIGR HORS; We’re about to go on tour so this was our last show in town for a bit. A.S. Leckrone on the poetry, I ran the beats. We had fun.

Pictured: Autopilot

Autopilot Following was Autopilot, awesome band from Saskatoon Canada. Traveling as a 4-piece, these guys have played together for years, toured many times, but it was their first visit to Columbus Ohio. An ambient garage sound underlied their set, and they rocked very awesomely. Learned alot from them after the show, great bunch of guys.

Pictured: Native Eloquence

Native Eloquence A hoard of awesome looking and great sounding electronic gear was the first thing I noticed of the Native Eloquence set. These guys had had a gig fall through and were in need of a space that night. They reached out and we put ‘em on the bill. The sound was really awesome, reminiscent of alot of that fuzzy indie-tronica thats floating around right now. Really chilled out vibes. I hope to see them again soon!

Pictured: Pete Mako

Pete Mako Pete Mako played to a crowd of friends, whom knew his words and sang along happily. Pete’s a house regular and his solo acoustic sets are really familiar to alot of us. Pop punk perhaps in styling, his lyrics are well put together and he’s got a good sense of humor.

Pictured: Christian Logan Fisher

Christian Logan Fisher Christian closed the night out, playing a few songs before we called the night. His work is passionate and well played, and he’s got a great voice, spirited in his performance, and is good at creating electricity in the air. He isn’t afraid to play Beyonce. His originals are well written and gripping.

Written by Sandeep Sehbi.

Sandeep is a Central Ohio frontman/musician/performer, writer/blogger, booker/promoter, freelance media specialist/social media guru and student at The Ohio State University.

#the house with no name #columbus ohio #central ohio #614 #columbus ohio DIY #columbus ohio DIT #columbus ohio performance #central ohio DIY #central ohio DIT #central ohio performance #614 DIY #614 DIT #614 performance #christian logan fisher #pete mako #native eloquence #autopilot #TIGR HORS #DCKids

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Show Recap: July 6th 2015 @ THWNN - Lesbian Poetry (Des Moines IO), Loaf (Chicago IL), Sleeping Aries, TTUM, Discount Tents, Grrrl Cheese, Sandeep Sehbi

Photo Credit: Sandeep Sehbi. Pictured: Matt and Danny from Discount Tents dancing to Lesbian Poetry, Katie R, Katie S, and Elliot’s right arm.

Last night Lesbian Poetry (Des Moines IO) and Loaf (Chi) came through the house. The show was ALOT of fun.

Pictured: Sleeping Aries

First up was a surprise set from Sleeping Aries. Andrew’s a regular at the house, always polite and humble. He’s got an amazing voice and played a few covers for all of us. Looking forward to his plans to form a band.

Pictured: TTUM

Next up was TTUM. TTUM’s got a great voice, a bit of hip hop sensibility and almost R&B-like control and skill with her voice. Her first time playing the house, and it was epic.

Pictured: Lesbian Poetry

After we went downstairs for an electric set by Lesbian Poetry. There’s alot to be said, Elliot’s lyrics stand out as well written and tell stories in a very chill / fun and upbeat way. Backed by drums, keys, a uke and Katie from Loaf on vocals, the sound was full and awesome. Particularly memorable was the rad dance move pulled off by members of Discount Tents during the final song of the set.

Pictured: Discount Tents

Discount Tents followed, playing what was the best set I’ve ever seen them play. A new addition of a keyboard and vocalist added new layers to the sound, complementing the core drums, bass, guitar setup. Part of what characterizes a Discount Tents set is much swapping of instruments, Zac, Matt and Danny all took turns on the bass, the drums, the guitar. Similarly with singing lead and backup.

Pictured: Loaf

Loaf was next upstairs. Katie R and Katie S knocked it out with an acoustic set, guitar and uke. Sometimes dark, and striking in their musicality, it was a very cool set.

Pictured: Grrrl Cheese

Grrrl Cheese rounded out the night with some upbeat folk-punk. Down a member due to being sick at home, sisters Gretchen and Madeleine played new arrangements of old favorites. There was much clapping, foot stomping, and howling.

Pictured: Sandeep Sehbi (from a previous show)

I played a few songs at the end too, (Sandeep Sehbi), I can’t really review myself, but I played ‘Comin’ Over’, ‘These Flies’ and ‘Packin’ My Bags’ and called it a day.

Lesbian Poetry and Loaf road out to Grrl Cheese’s place for vodka and mattresses, and I made my way to Bossy Grrls for the last of the burlesque and some rounds with friends with birthdays just around the corner.

Written by Sandeep Sehbi.

Sandeep is a Central Ohio frontman/musician/performer, writer/blogger, booker/promoter, freelance media specialist/social media guru and student at The Ohio State University.

#the house with no name #614 diy #614 dit #614 performing arts #central ohio diy #central ohio dit #central ohio performing arts #columbus ohio diy #columbus ohio dit #columbus ohio performing arts #sleeping aries #lesbian poetry #loaf #sandeep sehbi #ttum #discount tents #grrrl cheese

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Show Review: June 29 2015 @ THWNN - The Mailboxes (TN), Anna Eltringham, TIGR HORS, Leper Hug, Blacklight Tribe, Christian Logan Fisher

Photo Credit: Sandeep (this was taken at a prior show)

This’s the first of a series of reviews I’m going to start writing on shows at the house. 

The show opened with TIGR HORS, my band, so I can't say too much either way while being objective. I’ll say we had a great time, despite some feedback issues, and we were well received which was great. 

Following was Christian Logan Fisher. He’s become a bit of a regular at the house, plays solo, acoustic, and usually short sets. He’s got a great voice and is an awesome songwriter. His voice really draws you into the narratives he paints. He’s moving to Nashville TN in a few weeks so we’re enjoying him while we can here in Columbus OH. 

Next was Anna Eltringham, by way of Athens OH. She had an awesome voice, a soft understated demeanor and sang a string of songs the crowd was familiar with. I had heard a few of her old high school friends were in the crowd so it was one of those nights where emotions were high and admiration in no short supply. Great set.

The Mailboxes were next, on tour from Nashville TN (where Christian is heading to). Their drummer couldn't make the tour so they were traveling as a two-piece. Their set was characterized by impeccable two piece harmonies, exemplary piano playing, and amazing aux percussion and lead synth work. From what little I’ve experienced of Nashville, I’d say these guys carry the Nashville sound, which amounts to really honed and pure vocal work as well as on-the-money instrumentation. I bought a t-shirt after. Looking forward to their next performance. 

Blacklight Tribe followed. Donned in neon glow paint, lights went out and blacklights turned on. One of my favorite Central Ohio bands, these guys aspire to a sound that is really ambitious and cool. They read like a ‘Matrix’ movie soundtrack performed live. Blacklight Tribe has a huge local following and easily filled out the basement. Eyes are on these guys and their evolution going forward. 

Leper Hug closed out, and was pretty rad. Acoustic set (his drummer was MIA, a theme of the night). Just three songs, but they were all heartfelt. One song in particular struck me, about a neighbors suicide attempt that he’d witnessed. Looking forward to see how this project develops. (one of his first shows with the project). 

All in all a pretty rad night. 

Written by Sandeep Sehbi.

Sandeep is a Central Ohio frontman/musician/performer, writer/blogger, booker/promoter, freelance media specialist/social media guru and student at The Ohio State University.

#THWNN #the house with no name #614 music #614 performing arts #614DIY #central ohio music #central ohio performing arts #central ohio DIY #columbus ohio music #columbus ohio performing arts #columbus ohio DIY

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TMCIT.TMSIG. review

Image Credit: A. S. Leckrone

https://themoreclearlyithinkthemorescarediget.bandcamp.com/album/the-more-clearly-i-think-the-more-scared-i-get

Track 1 - Make Amends:

I forget that I'm listening to music, and instead feel myself on a journey through a very particular type of memory. It's quiet, introspective, and aware of despair, but focused on the positive that came from it. It makes me sad, but then makes me consider why I'm sad, and I find that good has come from past sorrows.The dichotomy between the music and the lyrics support this cycle - the music is sorrowful and drawn, but the lyrics are subtly hopeful.

The track does not feel DIY. It feels simple, intentional, and transcendent. It feels part of a class of music that simply exists as an experience.

_____

Track 2 - Steam:

1: Industrial Hopefulness.

2: Everything's going to be alright.

3: It fractures your thoughts. It's only ever a one-time thing. Glitching has become a basic trope in EDM these days, and Steam is almost a commentary on that - done artfully. We know glitching as mood and energy-building. This is done in Steam in a fresh way. Instead of waiting for the bass to drop, I am waiting for the pieces of the song to come together while my thoughts about the experience coalesce.

_____

Track 3 - Vegetables:

Attitude, Cynicism, Realism.

I find myself completely ignoring the resonant lyrics. The vocals become another element to a driving and forward-moving rhythm. As I'm listening to it, I become both lost and comfortable riding a momentum of unwavering confidence as the song goes forward.

_____

Overall, it feels like this album is comprised of three completely different sketches from three completely different genres. However, there's an air of confidence in both the simplicity and the matter-of-factness of the composition, in both the music and the lyrics, that keeps the project unexpectedly cohesive.

I wouldn't want to listen to this album cover-to-cover in one sitting, because the mood shifts too drastically, but I want each of these tracks in my library for when I am feeling their respective emotions.

I also 100% want to hear more.

Written by visual artist, MOTE 078 Gallery Director, and Miller Creative Consulting Founder Jacqueline Christine and author Matt Dymerski at 12:30am on a Wednesday evening while sitting on the couch, drinking wine and talking about art, music, and the emotion that runs deeply through both.

#blogMote #mc2 #SongsIWantToListenToOnRepeat

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The More Clearly I Listen, The More Lovely It Sounds

Image Credit: A S Leckrone

This newly-formed duo consists of the savvy Sandeep Sehbi, and the stoic Scott Baldwin. This is not the first time they have worked together, but it is the first time that euphoria to this degree has ever risen from their collective talents. Let us all applaud them for their efforts & their great success.

(ROUND OF APPLAUSE) 

If you have not listened, hopefully this doesn't spoil it all for you, but if you have listened, you are a lucky soul and will hopefully know what this all means.

The album begins with a track entitled "Make Amends" and is nothing short of an epic journey through time, sound, and space. It is reminiscent of tiny quick handclaps, that shake hands with Thom Yorke, all on the way into a dusty tin-can lined marshy swamp leading to a dawn-lit city just before the last day of living life on Planet Earth. Or at least that's how it makes me feel. Yeah, when I say epic, I mean epic. Right?

The second track carries on strongly with a track entitled "Steam." It plows with an electronic push-and-pull sort of feeling…Dragging the listener through a series of fun drum clashes and stop-and-go beats in the beginning. It transports you through a busy highway leading you in a plane over a deep dark ocean at night, sipping on a dry martini, overlooking the upcoming city you have been to far too many times—in-and-out, in-and-out—most people would think this city, a foreign exotic marvel, but to you it is the same-old, same-old, back-to-the-grind, sort of city. You arrive in Tokyo, it is 1987, and you get into a taxi cab that takes you across the cityscapes, the sun is rising slowly but steadily, slowly at first but it gains momentum as you near your home. Your wife is waiting for you, even though it is not yet even 5 in the AM. You step inside and kiss her cheek softly. She has tea on the stove for you, but you don't even have the energy to take a sip. You simply slip into bed just before the sun fully rises above the ceiling skylight, into your tired grey eyes. For this track think, Flying Lotus meets a Haruki Murakami novel if Haruki Murakami's novel had soundtracks. Or at least that's where the "Steam" took me.

The last but certainly not least track is entitled "Vegetables." Now this track takes me to the UK underground, even though I have never been there, I've heard enough about it. It is jumbled-genius-punk-grunge-hip-hop. It opens with a groggy roar of a forewarning question…Then it just makes you wish you could understand the lyrics of this man slurring about vegetables, like what could possibly be so inspiring to him about these veggies? But at the same time, the drum beats and complex sonic pleasure that backs the vocals keep you occupied and make you forget that you even wondered what the words were in the first place. Like eventually it's like "okay, i'm glad i can't understand him, so there." This track drags you through a fun painted-wall alley in the springtime, when the seasons are just shifting from the cold bitter winter and into the much more sought-after spring. But it's not really one or the other quite yet…So most of the song leads you down this winding, painted alley way…it is a grey-skied day with pastel walls popping colors throughout the scenery, and at the very end you are lead into a monsters sharp-toothed, drooling, jagged-jawed mouth. Yeehaw!

It's a beautiful album really. Seriously, do yourself a tasty favor and have a listen for yourself, and write your own stories. It will take you to a different place every time. Or maybe it will be a reoccurring dream you have. Who knows. All it truly spells out for us is that—

The more clearly you think, the more scared you (might) get.

Peace. Thanks for reading. 

Support these guys and have a listen:

https://themoreclearlyithinkthemorescarediget.bandcamp.com/album/the-more-clearly-i-think-the-more-scared-i-get

(STANDING OVATION)

To get more updates on The More Clearly I Think The More Scared I Get, check out:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-More-Clearly-I-Think-The-More-Scared-I-Get/1410549089248339

Written by Alison Leckrone.

Alison is from Ohio. She is a visual artist/performer/designer/dancer and overall creative creature. She studied in Cincinnati, now resides in Columbus and is a member of the electro-dance duo, Tigr Hors.  She likes buzz cuts, houndstooth, spoken word poetry, running outdoors, boats, dreaming of becoming a pirate, and last but not least— fresh mountain air.

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Dan Mitchell - Prolific Central Ohio Photographer

Photo Credit: Sam Carver

Dan Mitchell is EVERYWHERE. He's been in action for about a year, covering performing and fine arts events in Central Ohio, pro bono, as his means of networking, and generally his barter. He'll take photo's so great you'll make them your profile picture, and when you do end up needing a photoshoot, he's got prices ready at the same level of quality you got prior, but in a controlled environment. 

Dan is one of a few key photographers in Central Ohio documenting the current state of the performing and fine arts explosion in the area. We're glad for it too, if it weren't for talented documentarians like him we would have a silent and uncelebrated arts revolution. 

Dan's work has a classic feel, clean, clear and sharp. If you end up getting shot by Dan, you can pretty much guarantee you'll find something you'll like, and chances are it will out-do any selfie you'd ever dream up. 

Ultimately, Dan's a professional. He covers pretty much every major event and festival in the region, and this March he'll be traveling down to Austin Texas for SXSW. 

All performing and fine artists owe Dan a debt of gratitude, and he continues to leverage his quality on-the-streets fly-by-night work into paying day-jobs. 

Read more about Dan Mitchell // Get prices // Portfolio here:

https://www.facebook.com/mitchell.pictures

Written by Sandeep Sehbi.

Sandeep is a Central Ohio frontman/musician/performer, writer/blogger, booker/promoter, freelance media specialist/social media guru and student at The Ohio State University.

#614 press #614 performing arts #614 fine arts #614 photographers #central ohio press #central ohio performing arts #central ohio fine arts #central ohio photographers #columbus ohio press #columbus ohio performing arts #columbus ohio fine arts #columbus ohio photographers #sandeep sehbi #pizza box reviews #dan mitchell #mitchell multimedia

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Jeff Straw - Nuanced Singer-Songwriter / Talented Engineer

Photo Credit: Mitchell Multimedia 

There's three reasons you should know Jeff Straw. One, he books for and runs sound at Victory's Live, having been educated at Capital's quality audio engineering program. Two, he's an integral part of Central Ohio band The Jeff's, Jeff Tobin's baby that's grown over time into an impressive four-piece. Three, he's a talented singer-songwriter known for uploading quality home recorded studio cuts onto his social media. 

Jeff's a friendly dude. He works his ass off, at Live at the Garden 3 he put long hours into running sound for the main stage. He's really supportive of the DIY scene, having housed a player or two at his space, and he's performed at a spate of house shows as well.

Jeff seems like the kind of guy that could probably play any genre. But you can hear the 70's rock and roll sound, almost Elton John, other times Queen and/or ELO mixed with some Beatles shining through. He's got a peerless voice and a very neat and tidy instrumentation, hitting notes I'd typically expect to hear on a Hot Leg record. 

I feel like Jeff's career is just taking off and I'm excited to see what direction he decides to take it in. 

Read more about Jeff Straw / Get show updates / Listen to his tunes here:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jeff-Straw/110598758955720

Written by Sandeep Sehbi.

Sandeep is a Central Ohio frontman/musician/performer, writer/blogger, booker/promoter, freelance media specialist/social media guru and student at The Ohio State University.

#614 press #614 performance #614 performing arts #614 music #614 songwriters #614 audio engineers #central ohio press #central ohio performance #central ohio performing arts #central ohio music #central ohio songwriters #central ohio audio engineers #614 art #central ohio art #columbus ohio press #columbus ohio performance #columbus ohio performing arts #columbus ohio music #columbus ohio songwriters #columbus ohio audio engineers #columbus ohio art #sandeep sehbi #pizza box reviews #jeff straw #victory's live

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Jae Esquire - Force of Nature

Photo Credit: Mitchell Multimedia from Live at the Garden 3

Jae Esquire is a force of nature. A talented emcee whose also put in time as a keyboard player, having collaborated with amongst others Central Ohio's own G. Finesse. 

Jae had an awesome performance at Live at the Garden 3. A fifteen minute hip hop slot (that got shorted from 30 due to some issues with the bar stage) ended up being all she needed to win over the ample crowd. Jae Esquire's performance was hot and on point and she became one of the most talked about performers of the night. 

Jae Esquire has this thing about her, she's good with people. At a recent Wild Goose show I introduced two young fans to her, she greeted them with smiles and free CD's! They were immediately sold. 

Jae has that affect on you. Whether its watching her perform, passionately, thoughtfully, charismatically and on point, or just talking with her before or after the set, she's polite, friendly, funny and engaging. 

Talking about her stage flow, she's awesome. Rapid fire technique, intelligent messages and intense delivery. You need to check out Jae Esquire.

Read more about Jae Esquire / listen to her tunes / get show updates here:

https://www.facebook.com/Jae.Esquire

Written by Sandeep Sehbi.

Sandeep is a Central Ohio frontman/musician/performer, writer/blogger, booker/promoter, freelance media specialist/social media guru and student at The Ohio State University.

#614 press #614 performance #614 performing arts #614 arts #614 hip hop #central ohio press #central ohio performance #central ohio performing arts #central ohio arts #central ohio hip hop #columbus ohio press #columbus ohio performance #columbus ohio performing arts #columbus ohio arts #columbus ohio hip hop #sandeep sehbi #pizza box reviews #jae esquire

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Alison Leckrone - Creative Force

Photo Credit: Alison Leckrone's Facebook page

Alison Leckrone is recent Columbus Ohio transplant by way of Cincinnati by way of West Virginia. She's an acute and active poet who writes lyrics daily. 

She's a talented musician, recently having forming the two-piece electro dance dub group TIGR HORS. She's also an accomplished designer and fine artist,  occasional model, and choreographed dancer. 

The walls of her home are covered with artwork, mementos of awesome moments, gifts from fellow creatives. 

Alison's art is well spoken, intelligent, energetic, bold and forward looking.

The state capital is drawing dynamic creatives from all around the region and Alison is a fine example. 

To read more about Alison / Stay apprised of her work, check here:

https://alison-leckrone.squarespace.com

Written by Sandeep Sehbi.

Sandeep is a Central Ohio frontman/musician/performer, writer/blogger, booker/promoter, freelance media specialist/social media guru and student at The Ohio State University.

#614 press #614 arts #614 fine arts #614 performing arts #614 performance #central ohio press #central ohio arts #central ohio fine arts #central ohio performing arts #central ohio performance #columbus ohio press #columbus ohio arts #columbus ohio fine arts #columbus ohio performing arts #columbus ohio performance #sandeep sehbi #pizza box reviews #alison leckrone

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Brian Doney is an interesting dude.

Photo Credit: Dan Mitchell of Mitchell Multimedia

Host of the Mezzanine open mic / comedy workshop at Capital University, arguably the youngest comic in Columbus, former Comfest emcee, creator of some awesome comedy show concepts, podcaster, student, and standup comic, Brian Doney is an interesting dude.

Unafraid of voicing his views on the sometimes tenuous comedy scene, with a love of the stage and a willingness to perform shows that might be a little ‘out there’ for less adventurous performers, Brian has been around for a good while.

He’s guest hosted the Shrunken Head comedy open mic, his self-admitted favorite open mic room in the city. He holds the typical host Nick Glaser in high regard, considering him an essential influence in the scene owing to his positivity and professionalism.

Brian’s comedy is rooted in real life experience. Anecdotes about his first time with a woman, told with confidence honed from things like telling jokes at malls as a teenager.

Performing with a light saber at his side, turning his age into a comedic tool rather than a barrier to entry, Brian has done a good job ingratiating himself amongst the Central Ohio comedy community, as well as venturing out and mixing with more music related spaces like Spacebar and Wall St.

Brians a young guy, and has accomplished a lot in a short period of time. I’m excited to see what moves he makes and what he comes up with in the following weeks, months, and years of his career. 

Brian recently emceed for Live at the Garden 3. You can see him at comedy open mic rooms around the city. 

Read more about Brian Doney / follow his career / performances here:

https://www.facebook.com/BrianTowerDoneythePolarBearRidingComedian

Written by Sandeep Sehbi.

Sandeep is a Central Ohio frontman/musician/performer, writer/blogger, booker/promoter, freelance media specialist/social media guru and student at The Ohio State University.

#614 performance #614 performing arts #614 comedy #614 standup comedy #614 press #central ohio performance #central ohio performing arts #central ohio comedy #central ohio standup comedy #central ohio press #columbus ohio performance #columbus ohio performing arts #columbus ohio comedy #columbus ohio standup comedy #columbus ohio press #sandeep sehbi #pizza box reviews #brian doney #brian tower doney

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Profile: Nathaniel M Grosh

Photo Credit: Glenn Pine Photography

Nathaniel M Grosh is a husband / father / frontman and more. He fronts  Central Ohio band Conversion Delay, a sick 4-piece onslaught of heavy goth/industrial/punk/ROCK. I can't say enough about Conversion Delay. Catch them live, check out their band camp. Their latest album is really rad. 

He's currently working his ass off as one of the organizers of Live at the Garden 3 (a performing and fine arts festival to be held February 7th noon-midnight in Columbus, Ohio's historic The Garden Theater, $5 all day passes). Nathaniel's responsible for much of the design work for the festival, and has a heavy hand in fest social media / correspondence and more.

Nathaniel's a talented designer and sick front man/songwriter/composer. He's always has a sick creative vision that shows in everything he does. 

Read more about Nathaniel's band Conversion Delay / Listen here: https://www.facebook.com/ConversionDelay

Read more about Live at the Garden 3 here: https://www.facebook.com/LiveattheGardenTheater

Written by Sandeep Sehbi. 

Sandeep is a Central Ohio frontman/musician/performer, writer/blogger, booker/promoter, freelance media specialist/social media guru and student at The Ohio State University.

#614 press #614 performing arts #614 arts #614 performance #614 singers #614 composers #central ohio press #central ohio performing arts #central ohio arts #central ohio performance #central ohio singers #central ohio composers #columbus ohio press #columbus ohio performing arts #columbus ohio arts #columbus ohio performance #columbus ohio singers #columbus ohio composers #sandeep sehbi #pizza box reviews #nathaniel m grosh #conversion delay #live at the garden 3 #latg3 #live at the garden theater #live at the garden theater 3

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Happy Birthday: Blistering Oklahoma Talent

Photo Credit: Happy Birthdayy's Facebook Fanpage

Happy Birthdayy (on tour from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) just played Cafe Bourbon St last night in Columbus, Ohio. The show also included Betsy Ross, Fisher and New Shoes. 

Happy Birthdayy is a 3-piece rock and roll outfit. Combining finger-taps, blinding speed, and as they said to me before their set, song structures that typically go A-B-C-D. 

Keaton is the guitarist, and has a blisteringly fast style. Never really abating, throughout entire songs. He's so good at what he does, even a day later its still sinking in. Azaad holds it down on bass, Colin knocking down the beats. 

Amid screams, breakdowns, blistering riffs and tight changes, you realize these guys are talented as shit, going places, and worth watching again. 

Read more / Listen to Happy Birthdayy here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Happy-Birthdayy/112652255591731

Written by Sandeep Sehbi. 

Sandeep is a Central Ohio frontman/musician/performer, writer/blogger, booker/promoter, freelance media specialist/social media guru and student at The Ohio State University.

#oklahoma city music #oklahoma city rock #oklahoma city art #oklahoma city performance #oklahoma city performing arts #614 press #central ohio press #columbus ohio press #happy birthdayy #sandeep sehbi #pizza box reviews

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Skurt: Careening Epic Rock

Photo Credit: Skurt's Facebook Fanpage

Skurt is awesome. Two piece rock and roll / punk rock / noise band with twee elements. Dayton, Ohio based. They will wake you the fuck up and get you moving quickly. 

Ashley Pooler sings and guitars. Her style (on the guitar) is doom, dissonant, driven and cool. Her voice is nuanced, caterwauling and soaring, quirky and cool. 

Abbie Romero is probably the best drummer you'll see live. Anchors the songs, drives the beast, impeccable timing. 

Together, they are an epic explosion of sounds and screams. 

Listen to Skurt here: https://skurtdayton.bandcamp.com/track/moon-grpr

And read more about Skurt here: https://www.facebook.com/skurtoftheearf

Written by Sandeep Sehbi. 

Sandeep is a Central Ohio frontman/musician/performer, writer/blogger, booker/promoter, freelance media specialist/social media guru and student at The Ohio State University.

#614 press #dayton ohio music #dayton ohio art #dayton ohio performance #dayton ohio performing arts #dayton ohio punk #dayton ohio queer punk #central ohio press #columbus ohio press #sandeep sehbi #pizza box reviews #skurt #ashley pooler #abbie romero